Since its initial publication in 1868, Louisa May Alcott’s semi-autobiographical novel Little Women has captivated readers’ hearts and remains one of the most beloved novels of all time — and it has found just as much affection on stage too, such as right here in Manchester’s HOME Theatre.
Against the backdrop of the American Civil War, the book draws inspiration from Alcott’s own upbringing with her three sisters in what, despite the very specific historical context, turned out to be a very relatable and familiar feeling story filled with plenty of compelling character studies.
Little Women tells the tale of the March family, with the story revolving around the hardworking mother, Marmee, and her four daughters: Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy.
As their father serves in the war, the narrative follows the sisters’ journey from childhood to adulthood, navigating the challenges of survival in New England during the War.
It achieves a perfect blend of humour, drama, romance and, of course, tragedy, along the way, and it’s easy to see the influences director Brigid Larmour has brought to the production.
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Bringing her expertise and acclaim from The Merchant of Venice 1936, not only does the theatrical performance sweep you in the spirit of the age but, just like the hugely popular and successful movie adaptation by Greta Gerwig in 2019, the production boasts an impressive cast.
From Kacey Ainsworth as mum Marmee, known for her role as ‘Little Mo’ in Eastenders, to Jessica Brydges, Rachael McAllister, Meg Chaplin and Julia Brown as the differing daughters (Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, respectively), they all bring Alcott classic characters to life and without feeling like a various obvious nod to their recent Hollywood portrayals.
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The ensemble is rounded out by Daniel Francis-Swaby, Susan Twist and Tom Richardson: all of whom are seasoned performers on stage and screen — and it shows, pulling just the right amount of focus from the central figures and shining in their own right.
The most notable nod to the supporting cast goes to Twist, who plays Aunt March and emerges as a formidable force, providing comic relief during tense moments and adding an extra layer of entertainment to the production.
Manchester’s HOME theatre makes for the perfect space to bring Little Women to life.
Overall, the overarching family dynamic in Little Women mirrors the funny and chaotic moments reminiscent of those Christmas gatherings just around the corner, evoking a sense of nostalgia and universality through the little quirks and idiosyncrasies that define family life.
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In short, it’s akin to experiencing many ‘Christopher Columbus!’ moments in real-time, discovering uncharted territories within the family circle as you go — something everyone can identify with.
Anne-Marie Casey’s celebrated modern adaptation of the classic story, complemented by a stellar lineup both in its on-stage personalities, Larmour direction and wider creative team, along with a touch of festive cheer, makes Little Women a must-see production this winter.
All in all, it was a heartwarming show suitable for all ages which guarantees to resonate with both those discovering the tale for the first time and those first captivated by reading it on the page. Playing at HOME until 23 December, you can grab your tickets HERE.
Little Women is comfortably one of the best shows in Manchester right now.
Smash-hit musical Kinky Boots starring Strictly’s Johannes Radebe is coming to Manchester next year
Emily Sergeant
Smash-hit musical Kinky Boots is heading out on a tour of the UK next year, and the talented cast will be stopping off here in Manchester.
The Broadway and West End phenomenon, which is based on a true story and is an adaptation of a 2005 film of the same name, has become known and loved by musical theatre fans all across the globe since its stage debut back in 2012, and has scooped up several Tonys, Olivier Awards, and GRAMMYs along the way.
And now, it’s set for a revival starring Strictly Come Dancing‘s Johannes Radebe, and the production will be touring the UK and Ireland from January 2025.
Kinky Boots The Musical features a score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein, and this new production will be directed by Artistic Director, Nikolai Foster – who has famously helmed productions of The Wizard of Oz and Billy Elliot, to name a few – as well as starring the fan-favourite Strictly pro as Lola, alongside and rising star Dan Partridge as Charlie Price.
Smash-hit musical Kinky Boots starring Strictly’s Johannes Radebe is coming to Manchester / Credit: Ollies Rosser (via Supplied)
In case you’re unfamiliar with the Kinky Boots story, here’s brief rundown.
After inheriting his family’s failing shoe factory and with a relationship on the rocks, life is proving to be very challenging for Charlie Price, but that is until he meets Lola – a drag queen whose “sparkle and unsteady heels” might just hold the answer to saving the struggling business.
The 2025 revival production is already being billed as “guaranteed to raise you up” and “celebrate everybody’s individuality” when it arrives here in Manchester next February.
👢 On sale to ATG+ members 👢
Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting back to Manchester in a new production starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge.
“Kinky Boots is one of the things I’m proudest of in my career,” commented Cyndi Lauper, on the musicals return to the road across the UK.
“I’m so excited that audiences will get to see it again, in a new production, as it’s like a happy pill, and we could all use some of that right now, so I can’t think of a better time or place to relaunch this special show in its place of origin.”
Kinky Boots The Musical will be taking to the iconic Manchester Palace Theatre stage from 4-8 February 2025, and tickets are set general
You can grab your tickets when they go on sale here.
Featured Image – Ollie Rosser (via Supplied)
Theatre
Award-winning classic musical Mary Poppins is returning to Manchester next year
Emily Sergeant
One of the best-loved musicals of all time is set to return to the stage in Manchester on its UK tour next year.
Two decades after the world premiere in Bristol, and subsequent record-breaking run of productions around the world ever since, it’s now been announced that Mary Poppins is set to fly back to Manchester next April.
Direct from the West End and stopping off in our city as part of a UK-wide tour, the classic multi award-winning musical will be landing on stage at the iconic Palace Theatre from 9 April – 17 May 2025.
Australian stars, Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers, are both set to reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert in the 2024/25 UK and Ireland tour, after having both received critical acclaim and nightly standing ovations for their performances in the recent Australian production.
Someone magical is RETURNING… ✨
Direct from the West End, #MaryPoppinsMusical will embark on 2024/2025 UK & Ireland Tour. ☂️
— Palace & Opera Mcr (@PalaceAndOpera) March 7, 2024
This award-winning West End musical comes from the legendary theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh, and the Disney Theatrical Group.
In case you’re somehow unfamiliar with Mary Poppins, this production is based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, and tells the beloved story of the world’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane.
The show is set to be “more magical than ever before”, and will feature dazzling choreography, incredible effects, and all the unforgettable songs we know and love.
Award-winning classic musical Mary Poppins is returning to Manchester next year / Credit: Daniel Boud (via Supplied)
The production has original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, with new songs and additional music and lyrics also featuring too.
The book comes from Julian Fellowes, dance and vocal arrangements are by George Stiles, co-choreography is by Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear, sound design is by Paul Gatehouse, lighting is by Hugh Vanstone, and the set and costume designs are by Bob Crowley.
Mary Poppins will be live at the Palace Theatre Manchester from 9 April – 17 May 2025, and tickets are set to go on general sale next Monday (18 March) at 10am.